ITANAGAR, Feb 16: In a ‘first’ in the State, a four-day training programme on ‘Preparation of Disaster Management Plans for Schools and Institutions for Children with Special Needs (CWSN)’ got underway at Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired (DPMSHVI), Chimpu here today.
Organized by the Department of Disaster Management (GoAP) in collaboration with the Geo-Hazard Society, India (New Delhi), the training has been specifically designed for the Head of the School/Institution, teachers, parents, and caregivers of CWSN, besides senior students of DPMSHVI.
The initiative aims to strengthen institutional preparedness and enhance capacity for inclusive disaster management planning, particularly for children with special needs. The Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) kits of different age groups for CWSN were also distributed to all participating institutions during the programme.
In her keynote address, Jt Director Disaster Management Christine Wanglat stated that disasters do not discriminate; however, their impact is often more severe on those who require additional care, support, and preparedness. She emphasized that building awareness, preparedness, and confidence among teachers, caregivers, parents, and students is not merely important but essential.
The Jt Director appreciated the trainers from Geo-Hazard Society for bringing their expertise and experience to guide and conduct the sessions during these four days, and encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and make optimal use of the opportunity.
Earlier, P Duggong, Dy Director-cum-Training Coordinator, informed that this is the first training programme of its kind in the State conducted by the department. He highlighted that children with special needs constitute one of the most vulnerable sections of society and they often remain outside the primary focus of disaster preparedness initiatives. He underscored the importance of such programmes in ensuring inclusive, comprehensive, and child-centric disaster management planning.
The four-day programme will cover key aspects of school safety planning, risk assessment, evacuation procedures, dos & don’ts of various disaster and preparedness measures tailored to institutions catering to children with special needs.